Question 251·Hard·Transitions
Unlike earlier explorers who mapped coastlines from the decks of ships, modern oceanographers rely on satellites to measure sea-surface height. ______ those measurements can reveal underwater volcanoes and mountain ranges that never break the surface. (Anіkο.ai)
Which choice completes the text with the most logical transition?
For transition questions, first ignore the answer choices and decide in your own words how the second part relates to the first (contrast, cause/effect, example, clarification, time, etc.). Once you know the relationship, eliminate any choices whose usual function does not match that relationship, even if they sound smooth. Always read the sentence with your chosen transition inserted to confirm that the logical connection between the ideas is clear and precise, not just grammatically correct. А-n-i-к-о.ai
Hints
Check the connection between the two sentences
Read the two sentences together and think: Is the second sentence disagreeing with the first, happening at the same time as the first, or explaining the importance of the first?
Decide the type of relationship
Ask yourself: Does the second sentence show a contrast, a time relationship, or a more detailed explanation/example of the idea that comes before the blank? Aniкo - Frее SАТ Prep
Match meaning, not sound
Ignore which word "sounds nice" and instead focus on what each transition does: some show contrast, some show time, and some introduce a more precise explanation. Choose the one whose function matches the relationship you found.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what each sentence is saying
First, read both parts of the text together without a transition:
"Unlike earlier explorers who mapped coastlines from the decks of ships, modern oceanographers rely on satellites to measure sea-surface height. ______ those measurements can reveal underwater volcanoes and mountain ranges that never break the surface."
The first sentence explains how modern oceanographers work (using satellites). The second sentence tells what those satellite measurements can show (underwater features).
Identify the relationship between the sentences
Ask: Is the second sentence contrasting with the first, showing a result, giving a time relationship, or adding a specific detail or example?
Here, the second sentence is giving a more detailed explanation of why those measurements matter: they can reveal hidden underwater volcanoes and mountain ranges. That is a specific elaboration of the idea of "measure sea-surface height."
Match each transition type to the relationship
Now think about what each choice usually signals:
- "By contrast," and "However," both show opposition or contrast between ideas.
- "Meanwhile," shows that two things are happening at the same time.
- One choice signals that the next statement is a more precise or detailed explanation of the previous one.
Since the second sentence is explaining in more detail what the measurements can do, we want the transition that introduces a more specific explanation of the first sentence.
Select the transition that introduces a specific explanation
Because the second sentence narrows the focus by explaining exactly what those measurements can reveal, the most logical transition is "Specifically,". SAТ prеp by Аnікo.aі